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DirecTivo..Tivo What is the difference?

Is there any functions the DirecTivo has versuses a standard Tivo unit other than the capability of using the unit to watch DirecTV. I bought tow new receivers about four months ago and would like to know wheter it would be better off to get the combined unit or just the standalone Tivo. I would greatly appreciate any thoughts on this subject.

A DirecTiVo can record 2 programs on 2 different channels AND let you watch a third recorded show at the same time. A SA TiVo can record only one show while letting you watch an already recorded one.

The DirecTiVo has no quality settings because it records the actual bitstream as it comes in from Directv. There is no loss of quality on the recordings - they look EXACTLY as good as the live signal. A Directv receiver/SA TiVo setup has to decompress the signal then compress it back down using the SA TiVo's own (inferior) encoding chip. Even leaving the TiVo set at "Best" will not equal the DirecTiVo's PQ.

The DirecTiVo CANNOT record anything except Directv's signal, so if you don't subscribe to locals from Directv it won't record them from an OTA antenna - it will only pass them thru to the TV without recording. A SA TiVo can record from any input source.

The DirecTiVo can record & playback a DD5.1 soundtrack if the program has it. A SA TiVo cannot - it has no DD5.1 input or output.

The DirecTiVo gets its guide info from a constant trickling stream in the Directv signal and only has to dial out once a month to verify service with TiVo. The SA gets guide info either from daily calls (no more 800# service, so long-distance calls may be required) OR from a TiVo service paid program shown on the Discovery channel late at night.

Did I mention recording 2 shows at once ? This really is the killer app - it makes conflict resolution a snap. I never watch live TV or commercials any more because my DirecTiVos have so much stuff recorded that I can choose from. I don't even know when many shows are scheduled on live TV - I watch when I get ready

Originally posted by kmccoach Thanks for the info. I will be heading off to Circuit City for that deal.

Keith

If you are going to Circuit City because I got my DirecTiVos there, don't bother - they sold out of them months ago. In fact, if you are already a Directv subscriber, you probably can't get a DirecTiVo anywhere right now.

You may be better off looking for an UltimateTV on sale at Best Buy or online somewhere if you want something today. They have the dual tuner functionality and the OS was much improved recently. You can also replace their stock HD with a bigger one (DTiVos can handle 2 160 gig HDs for 250 hrs max recording capacity, UTV only allow you to replace the original 40 gig/35 hr HD with a larger one for about 106 hrs with a 120 gig HD).

If you can wait until late Summer/early Fall, the DirecTiVo Series II units will be out. They should have on 80 gig/70 hr capacity, and rumor has it that since they are cheaper to manufacture they will sell for less than the Series I units - maybe $199 or so to existing subs. No guarantee on that price though

What are peoples opinion on what will happen if the merger goes thru? Will they continue to allow subscribers to use their DirecTivo recievers..ect....I have read in some forums that they will replace existing recievers? DirecTV continues to press forward with new recievers? Looking for peoples opinions or advice about purchasing new PVR recievers?

I would think that it will take a while to switch everyone over to a common format. They have also pledged to swap out equipment for equal equipment for free. You really have nothing to lose in purchasing a PVR. Worst case scenario is that it will be replaced at no cost to you. Best case is that they would go with whatever format PVR you buy (doubtful). If you only spend $99 on a UTV or Directivo and it takes two years to replace it, it really is $99 well spent. The value of the product makes it a good deal.

"If you took the time to get to know me, well, you'd be wasting your time. I am exactly who you think I am." - Earl Hickey

I would be shocked if TIVO didn't continue its contract with DISH, and you would just have DISHTIVO... I can't see them pissing off 200,000+ customers with the 721 that IMO doesn't even come close to what my Dtivo can do currenlty.

It just wouldn't make sense for them to drop TIVO, as churn is a big issue, they know people that have their TIVO's and UTV for that matter, love them. NO reason to rock the boat.